NFL Player News

Vaki (leg) is in uniform and is taking part in special-teams warmups leading up to Saturday's preseason matchup versus Miami, Richard Silva of The Detroit News reports.

A leg injury prevented Vaki from taking part in Detroit's first two exhibition contests, but it appears the second-year running back could play Saturday. Vaki has been practicing this week, and if he does get cleared to play against the Dolphins, he could get an extended look. His ability to take the field could be a significant development in his quest to earn the Lions' No. 3 RB role, for which he's competing with Craig Reynolds.

Ford is among the key Cleveland players not slated to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.

The same applies to fellow RB Dylan Sampson, QBs Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett (hamstring), Shedeur Sanders (oblique), WR Jerry Jeudy, as well as TEs David Njoku and Harold Fannin. With 2025 second-rounder Quinshon Judkins still unsigned, Ford remains in a position to continue handling a key role in the Browns' backfield, and his next chance to see game action will arrive Aug. 23 against the Rams.

Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) participated in Saturday's training camp practice in a limited capacity, Commanders writer Ben Standig reports.

Croskey-Merritt was spotted in a non-contact jersey and was limited to individual work during Saturday's practice. The rookie seventh-rounder is working through a shoulder injury that he suffered during the Commanders' preseason opener against the Patriots, when he turned seven carries into 24 yards and caught his lone target for eight yards. Croskey-Merritt is battling Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez for the RB3 job behind Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler.

Smith had three carries for 22 yards and two receptions for 16 yards on as many targets in Friday's 33-16 preseason loss to Seattle.

Smith was the first back to receive a carry after Isiah Pacheco and Carson Steele departed with the first-string offense. The 22-year-old Smith experienced improved results over his first preseason outing, as he appears to be completely over the finger injury sustained in practice last week. Smith will attempt to build off of this performance as he claws for a roster spot in the preseason finale against Chicago next Friday.

Charbonnet took five carries for 45 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 33-16 preseason win over Kansas City.

Charbonnet made his preseason debut with the first-team offense as Kenneth Walker is eased back from a minor foot injury. The 24-year-old Charbonnet looked good in the starting role Friday, which was a common theme when he would take over for Walker at times last season. Charbonnet figures to continue operating in the "1B" role when Walker is healthy this upcoming season, although rumblings of a potential timeshare have been brewing in camp.

Pacheco had one reception for 22 yards and did not record a rushing attempt in Friday's 33-16 preseason loss to the Seahawks.

Pacheco came out with the first-team offense and was limited to just one touch for the second consecutive preseason tilt. The 26-year-old has little to prove heading into the regular season, but he still fought for 22 yards on his only target Friday. If he suits up, expect Pacheco to be limited once again in Kansas City's final exhibition contest against Chicago next Friday.

Carter took nine carries for 63 yards and a touchdown while adding two receptions for nine yards on as many targets in Friday's 23-20 preseason loss to Tennessee.

Carter made his mark in the second half when he tore off a 43-yard scamper for his first touchdown of the preseason. The undrafted free agent started Friday's contest with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier resting for the second consecutive game, helping Carter boost his case for the No. 3 role as the regular season approaches.

Chestnut started Friday's preseason win over Atlanta, rushing four times for 16 yards while catching his only target for seven receiving yards.

Chestnut got the nod with the first-team offense with Tony Pollard (rest) and Tyjae Spears (ankle) missing Friday's exhibition. The 24-year-old Chestnut was slated to begin the season as the Titans' No. 3 tailback, but the high-ankle sprain Spears suffered last week could push Chestnut up the depth chart. Pollard is healthy and still the clear No. 1 option in Tennessee, so Chestnut's fantasy value wouldn't see a huge boost if he were to start the regular season as the primary backup.

Mixon (foot/ankle) isn't a lock to be ready for the Texans' Week 1 road matchup with the Rams on Sunday, Sept. 7, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Mixon missed the offseason program and then kicked off training camp on the active/non-football injury list due to foot and ankle issues, the former of which is the primary reason for his continued absence, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. In his debut campaign with Houston in 2024, Mixon racked up 281 touches for 1,325 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns in 14 regular-season games, marking the fifth 1,000-yard rushing season and third with double-digit TDs of his eight-year career. As long as Mixon is sidelined, veterans Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale and rookie fourth-rounder Woody Marks will be the options out of the Texans backfield.

Evans is tending to a hamstring injury, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.

Evans presumably picked up the issue during a training camp practice, and now his availability for Sunday's preseason contest at Chicago is in question. If he can't play in that game, it could mean more snaps for Frank Gore.